Kelli Precort inducted into sports hall of fame

Kelli Precort inducted into Sports Hall of Fame

By Deborah Wheeler

debbie_wheeler@link.freedom.com

South Walton resident Kelli Precort received the honor last Saturday of being inducted into the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame.

"It was a humbling experience as they reflected on my career," said Precort.

The induction was the athlete's third. She was earlier inducted into the New Jersey Sports Hall of Fame and at her college alma mater, Old Dominion.

Precort boasts a distinguished athletic background. She began playing field hockey in 1984 as a high school freshman in New Jersey and continued throughout college.

The passion for the sport didn't stop there, as she took it to the next level and traveled all over the world, competing in the World Cup, two Pan American Games and in 1996 realized her lifelong dream of competing in the summer Olympics in Atlanta.

"It was fantastic," she said. "It was good to play in the U.S. and have the support of family and friends there."

Precort retired and hung up her stick in 2000.

The athlete moved from Atlanta to South Walton and opened Balance Health Studio in Seagrove Beach last year. In addition to teaching spinning classes, boot camp and personal training, Precort uses her background as an athlete and Olympian to help others. She credits her healthy lifestyle and use of personal trainers, massage therapy and chiropractics in keeping her healthy and enabling her to enjoy such a long career.

On Monday, Precort picked up her stick for the first time since 2000 to share her knowledge with students at Seaside Neighborhood School.

"It was the first time I had picked up a stick since I hung it up in 2000," she said. "Showing them how to play was fun. I have missed the competition and traveling."